Anger has patients turned away from hospital

Anger has mounted after two more people were turned away from Leek Moorlands Hospital minor injuries unit without receiving treatment.

Now, a leading councillor has said that she ‘does not want to be lied to again’ over the issue, which has been described as ‘an appalling and unacceptable’ situation in Leek, Staffordshire.

Last August, the Post & Times revealed that a young woman, who went to the hospital after suffering a deep animal bite and a four-year-old who had cut his hand were told they were dealing with booked appointments and they should go to their GP, the Haywood Hospital in Burslem, or ring 111.

However, after a meeting between Councillor Charlotte Atkins, and Chris Taylor of Leek Health Campaign group along with a management representative of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, assurance was given that while there had been some initial teething problems, it was confirmed that this is no longer an issue and, when required, staff do stay over to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment.

But now it has emerged that two more people have been turned away without being seen.

Councillor Atkins, below, told the Post & Times: “On Monday, January 31, two patients arrived before 5pm. One at 4.40pm and the other a little bit later.

“The first patient had sustained a head injury and a broken wrist and was not offered any pain relief. Neither patient was medically assessed despite one having a head injury.

“They were just referred to the Haywood Hospital.

"They were told that they could wait but would not be seen because the staff had to leave at 5pm. That was unprofessional and dangerous to patient safety, a basic requirement of hospital care.”

The issue was raised at last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s health overview and scrutiny panel by Councillor Atkins.

She added: “We were told two months ago that no-one would be turned away before 5pm at the hospital.

“Last week two people were turned away at 4.40pm. They were told that they already had people waiting and were advised to go to the Haywood hospital. It is not easy to get to the Haywood in Burslem.

“People are being turned away without being medically assessed. It is unprofessional and I do not want to be lied to again. I want the hospital open from 8am to 8pm again. What has happened is unacceptable.”

Councillor Mike Bowen, who has the responsibility for communities on the council, said: “All sorts of promises were made, but people are being turned away. This does not fit, it is an appalling situation.”

Councillor Pam Wood, who is a former nurse and chairman of the Leek Health Campaign group, said: “We are witnessing the end of the glory days of the NHS. Unless people fight we will lose everything.

“Staffordshire Moorlands District Council should fight the dumbing down of the service. When I was a nurse, no-one was turned away.”

A spokesperson for the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, told the Post & Times: “The MIU at Leek Moorlands Hospital closes at 5pm, with the last admission being at 4.30pm, to allow for triage to take place.

“We are aware of this case and we have received a complaint about the MIU.

“An investigation is ongoing and so not to prejudice that process, no further comment will be made."

Councillor Atkins added: “I am disgusted that patients are still being turned away before 5pm despite having even called ahead.

“When we visited Leek Moorlands Hospital on November 15, we were assured that no one would be turned away before 5pm. So either we were lied to or senior management is not aware of what is happening at the hospital.

“The issue is that the MIU is being run on a single staff shift of 9am to 5pm (despite the website still showing it is open to 8pm). So staff are anxious to leave work on time.

“It is now vital that two staff shifts are reinstated so that patients can be assured of a professional service.”